The APEA is committed to justice, equality and dismantling racism, not just for employees of the district, but for the children we teach and support. We are appalled by the killing of George Floyd, only the latest in a string of deaths of Black people and people of color at the hands of police. We understand that such injustices have their roots in institutional racism. We recognize that our union can take a role in shaping our society towards a more just present and a better future. Here are some steps that we are taking:
- Sending at least 12 APEA members to the 2 day virtual training, on June 27th-28th, “Dismantling White Supremacy Culture in Schools“. We are collaborating with our district to send as many educators as possible and support staff in bringing it back to our schools, our curriculum, our interactions, and our work with students.
- MTA Legislative Agenda: We are advocating that the MTA legislative agenda include priorities that actively work to protect Black lives, including: legislating police training, police (de)funding and demilitarizing, eliminating qualified immunity for police, holding individuals accountable who call the police on Black and Brown people under false pretenses, and demanding police liability insurance. We will be soliciting support from MTA locals in prioritizing this on the MTA legislative agenda.
- Local State Legislators: We have initiated a process to meet with our representatives on the MA State legislative bodies to inform us on agenda items that protect Black lives and listen to our demands.